Lionel Messi has opened up about his debut season in Major League Soccer after the frustration of not making the play-offs with Inter Miami.
The 36-year-old lit up America after making the move to the Herons as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June, eventually reuniting with former FC Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in the process.
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He went on to 11 goals in his first 14 appearances for the Florida-based side, and helped them to a Leagues Cup triumph – the club's first-ever trophy.
However, his debut season in the US had its downs as well.
Towards the end of the MLS campaign, Miami suffered a run of bad results that coincided with Messi being forced to the sidelines due to an injury he sustained.
Subsequently, the club missed out on a spot in the play-offs and are due to have an extended off-season as a result.
Messi, though, has since revealed he is happy with what the team had been able to achieve since his arrival.
"I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season," he wrote in a post on Instagram.
"With everyone's work and effort, we were able to win the leagues cup, winning the first title in the history of Inter Miami, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the Play-offs of MLS until the last moment.
"We are left with all the good things and above all with the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year. I would like to thank all the people at the club and the city of Miami for the support they always give us.
"I am sure that we will continue to live incredible moments together as has happened in recent months. A hug for everyone!"
With Miami's failure to make the play-offs, the club will only be in competitive action again in February next year.
With such an extended period out of action, reports suggested that the 36-year-old would either be reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League or making a fairy tale return to Barcelona in a January loan deal.
However, it is believed Messi will be staying put while the MLS side arranges friendlies to keep their players as sharp as possible during the off-season.
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